Is using a disk the same as using a no-till drill?

By Grant Woods,

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Question
Grant, hows it going? Love the show, I watch every episode. I have a small question. I do not have a drill and do not make plots as large as yours. I use a ATV plow and make micro plots. Is plowing the vegetation “duff” into the ground the same as drilling thru it? Are the benefits the same?
Thanx Calvin

Calvin,

Thank you for watching GrowingDeer!

I really like “micro” or Hidey Hole plots!  Such plots can be outstanding stand/blind locations and bucks will often use such plots during daylight hours.

Disking isn’t quit the same and using a no-till drill.  Disking allows much more oxygen into the soil which results in the “duff” to break down much quicker compared to that vegetation decomposing on top the soil.  In addition, the dead vegetation on top the soil servers as a very high quality mulch that prevents weeds from growing and moisture from evaporating from the soil.  Disking kills many earthworms – more than the limited soil disturbance caused by a no-till drill.  

This is not to say that great plots can’t be established by using a disk!  I suggest using the disk as little as possible and don’t disk too deep.  This will limit soil disturbance.  I’m helping Redexim design a no-till drill that’s appropriate for an ATV.

Enjoy creation!

grant